Why did Spain sack Julen Lopetegui as manager?

Lopetegui agreed to join Real Madrid two days before the start of the World Cup and three days before Spain's opening game.

Although managers such as Antonio Conte and Louis Van Gaal have taken other jobs before leading respective national teams to tournaments, the Spanish FA were furious with the underhand nature of negotiations.

Lopetegui informed FA chief Luis Rubiales just five minutes before Real Madrid's press conference that he would be joining Los Blancos.

Added to that, he had signed a new deal with Spain just three weeks before agreeing his move to the Bernabeu.

Rubiales said: “I found out (Lopetegui was leaving) with one or two calls five minutes before the official announcement.

“Real Madrid are looking for a coach and is looking for the best, that is normal, I will not say anything about that.

“But while that coach is working for the Spanish Federation you can not do things this way.

“You have to have a clear message for all the workers inside the Football Federation that there is a way to act and behave.

“I don’t feel cheated, the problem was the total lack of clarity with the Spanish Football Federation, that is something that cannot happen.

"Lopetegui is an impeccable professional but actions are important."

Fernando Hierro has been swiftly chosen as Lopetegui's replacement for the tournament.